Anxiety Counselling in South East London, London

Photo of Sally Masson, MSc, MBACP, Counsellor
Sally Masson
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Verified Verified
South East London, London SE1
It's ironic that a large part of psychotherapeutic work is around trying to convince people that their perceived 'abnormal' feelings and behaviours are a completely 'normal' reaction to a set of, often very difficult life circumstances. For instance, why wouldn't someone have a generalised feeling of persistent anxiety and low mood, when they have to live in what seems like a crazy and confusing world? We can work toward a more accepting and benevolent view of ourselves, exploring who you truly are and where you might truly want to go in life, without the harsh inner voices of the past.
It's ironic that a large part of psychotherapeutic work is around trying to convince people that their perceived 'abnormal' feelings and behaviours are a completely 'normal' reaction to a set of, often very difficult life circumstances. For instance, why wouldn't someone have a generalised feeling of persistent anxiety and low mood, when they have to live in what seems like a crazy and confusing world? We can work toward a more accepting and benevolent view of ourselves, exploring who you truly are and where you might truly want to go in life, without the harsh inner voices of the past.
020 3974 1631 View 020 3974 1631
Photo of Deon Remzi, MBACP, Counsellor
Deon Remzi
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South East London, London SE3
As an integrative counsellor, I integrate various humanistic and psychodynamic therapeutic modalities to offer comprehensive support. Offering long & short term therapy specialising in, Anxiety, Depression, Abuse, Family issues, Early years parenting, Suicide, Bereavement & Relationship issues. My practice is built on a foundation of compassion, believing in the inherent capacity for growth and healing within you. Cultural awareness is paramount, as I deeply value and honour your diverse background, experiences, and identities. By embracing your unique cultural differences, I ensure that my therapeutic approach is inclusive.
As an integrative counsellor, I integrate various humanistic and psychodynamic therapeutic modalities to offer comprehensive support. Offering long & short term therapy specialising in, Anxiety, Depression, Abuse, Family issues, Early years parenting, Suicide, Bereavement & Relationship issues. My practice is built on a foundation of compassion, believing in the inherent capacity for growth and healing within you. Cultural awareness is paramount, as I deeply value and honour your diverse background, experiences, and identities. By embracing your unique cultural differences, I ensure that my therapeutic approach is inclusive.
020 7123 9359 View 020 7123 9359
Photo of Michaela Dunbar - My Easy Therapy, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
My Easy Therapy
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
South East London, London SE23  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
What I do best is use evidence-based interventions (CBT, ACT, EMDR) to help women like you break free from anxiety, stress, panic or depression to step into a life they love.
I'm Dr Michaela Dunbar, Clinical Psychologist and Founder of My Easy Therapy, and what do I know about you? You’re used to accepting your negative thoughts as facts, now they are creating persistent anxiety and low mood, taking you completely away from your values and goals, and affecting your relationships. You probably find it really difficult to sit with uncomfortable emotions like sadness, anxiety or anger and have gotten into a habit of doing things to try to avoid them which ends up making matters worse. Something in you wants to make a change and you know you need support to do it. It's super hard but that's where I come in.
What I do best is use evidence-based interventions (CBT, ACT, EMDR) to help women like you break free from anxiety, stress, panic or depression to step into a life they love.
I'm Dr Michaela Dunbar, Clinical Psychologist and Founder of My Easy Therapy, and what do I know about you? You’re used to accepting your negative thoughts as facts, now they are creating persistent anxiety and low mood, taking you completely away from your values and goals, and affecting your relationships. You probably find it really difficult to sit with uncomfortable emotions like sadness, anxiety or anger and have gotten into a habit of doing things to try to avoid them which ends up making matters worse. Something in you wants to make a change and you know you need support to do it. It's super hard but that's where I come in.
020 3974 2373 View 020 3974 2373
Photo of Paola Filotico, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Paola Filotico
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
South East London, London SE3  (Online Only)
Sometimes life hits hard and we find it hard to cope. Sometimes everything seems to be well, and still, we are unhappy. There are times when we feel haunted by our past, and times when we just don’t understand some parts of ourselves - thoughts, emotions, or even physical pain. And we are going through increasing global uncertainty: Covid, the current political and financial situation, wars and climate change are only a few of the unsettling topic we are exposed to 24/7 - we are facing a previously unimaginable amount of collective stress, anxiety and grief.
Sometimes life hits hard and we find it hard to cope. Sometimes everything seems to be well, and still, we are unhappy. There are times when we feel haunted by our past, and times when we just don’t understand some parts of ourselves - thoughts, emotions, or even physical pain. And we are going through increasing global uncertainty: Covid, the current political and financial situation, wars and climate change are only a few of the unsettling topic we are exposed to 24/7 - we are facing a previously unimaginable amount of collective stress, anxiety and grief.
020 8059 8389 View 020 8059 8389
Photo of Sarah Hutton, MA, HCPC-Art Therap., Psychotherapist
Sarah Hutton
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
South East London, London SE15
The relationship we have with ourselves and others is at the core of our every day. I hold a safe & empathetic space enabling us to explore and navigate those relationships together, where we can get to the root of challenges you may be facing & difficult feelings can be accepted. This is a journey we will walk together at your own pace, where change, although often uncomfortable, can be embraced. I am experienced in working with clients with a range of needs, including those navigating anxiety, depression & grief; self-esteem & attachment issues; neurodiversity; identity & relationship difficulties; as well as trauma & addiction.
The relationship we have with ourselves and others is at the core of our every day. I hold a safe & empathetic space enabling us to explore and navigate those relationships together, where we can get to the root of challenges you may be facing & difficult feelings can be accepted. This is a journey we will walk together at your own pace, where change, although often uncomfortable, can be embraced. I am experienced in working with clients with a range of needs, including those navigating anxiety, depression & grief; self-esteem & attachment issues; neurodiversity; identity & relationship difficulties; as well as trauma & addiction.
020 3974 2400 View 020 3974 2400
Photo of Cristina Zorat, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Cristina Zorat
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
South East London, London SE16
I have a lot of experience with anxiety issues, including panic attacks; abuse, including sexual abuse; trauma often treated by using EMDR.
Whatever the difficulty you are going through right now, you are not alone. All feelings and thoughts you may be experiencing are valid. We can explore together what may feel very confusing and overwhelming, make sense of it and find the best way to go forward.
I have a lot of experience with anxiety issues, including panic attacks; abuse, including sexual abuse; trauma often treated by using EMDR.
Whatever the difficulty you are going through right now, you are not alone. All feelings and thoughts you may be experiencing are valid. We can explore together what may feel very confusing and overwhelming, make sense of it and find the best way to go forward.
020 8103 9002 View 020 8103 9002
Photo of Kirsty Carmichael, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Kirsty Carmichael
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
South East London, London SE3  (Online Only)
I offer therapy (including CBT and EMDR) to people experiencing trauma (including birth trauma), anxiety or OCD and depression.
I am Dr Kirsty Carmichael and I am a Practitioner Psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) with more than 12 years experience of working in the NHS. I offer a range of psychological therapies for adults, young people, couples and families.
I offer therapy (including CBT and EMDR) to people experiencing trauma (including birth trauma), anxiety or OCD and depression.
I am Dr Kirsty Carmichael and I am a Practitioner Psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) with more than 12 years experience of working in the NHS. I offer a range of psychological therapies for adults, young people, couples and families.
020 3835 5282 View 020 3835 5282
Photo of Sally-Anne Soameson, MBACP Accred, Psychotherapist
Sally-Anne Soameson
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
South East London, London SE1
Practising in both private and charity sectors, my background includes working with anxiety, depression, sexuality and identity alongside bereavement and loss.
As a psychodynamic therapist I offer once weekly face-to-face therapy in a supportive, understanding environment. My approach encourages self-reflection and self-examination, allowing you to understand the influence of the past on present behaviour and feelings. This enables you to examine unresolved conflicts and their consequences, giving you back more control in daily life. Working within the ethical framework of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists, I provide confidential and non-judgemental counselling to individuals looking for short term and open ended therapy on a variety of issues, offering you space to take a positive step towards insight and awareness.
Practising in both private and charity sectors, my background includes working with anxiety, depression, sexuality and identity alongside bereavement and loss.
As a psychodynamic therapist I offer once weekly face-to-face therapy in a supportive, understanding environment. My approach encourages self-reflection and self-examination, allowing you to understand the influence of the past on present behaviour and feelings. This enables you to examine unresolved conflicts and their consequences, giving you back more control in daily life. Working within the ethical framework of the British Association of Counsellors and Psychotherapists, I provide confidential and non-judgemental counselling to individuals looking for short term and open ended therapy on a variety of issues, offering you space to take a positive step towards insight and awareness.
020 3974 1023 View 020 3974 1023
Photo of Jake Suarnaba Dicto - Jake Suarnaba Dicto, MBACP, Counsellor
Jake Suarnaba Dicto
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
South East London, London SE1
Do you feel that your life has been dominated by your worries and fears of the future? Are there unresolved issues or painful experiences from the past or in the present moment that overwhelms and cause you anxiety? Do you find it difficult to feel confident and good about yourself? If your answer to these questions is yes, my approach to therapy will be of benefit to you. I can assure you of a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space where we can both identify, honour and explore the possible reasons for your struggles that blocks you to feel freer and more confident about yourself.
Do you feel that your life has been dominated by your worries and fears of the future? Are there unresolved issues or painful experiences from the past or in the present moment that overwhelms and cause you anxiety? Do you find it difficult to feel confident and good about yourself? If your answer to these questions is yes, my approach to therapy will be of benefit to you. I can assure you of a safe, confidential and non-judgemental space where we can both identify, honour and explore the possible reasons for your struggles that blocks you to feel freer and more confident about yourself.
020 8106 8054 View 020 8106 8054
Photo of Dinah Butler, MSc, MBACP Snr. Accred, Counsellor
Dinah Butler
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP Snr. Accred
Verified Verified
South East London, London SE6
Many experiences bring you to therapy: a crisis, bereavement, relationship issues, an absence of something, anxiety or depression getting in the way, childhood experiences, abuse and trauma. Starting therapy is an important step. It is an opportunity to tackle your immediate concerns but also to understand them in the context of your life in general. It provides a space to creatively shape your life but also take your pain and struggle seriously. Therapy provides an opportunity to strengthen a sense of your own identity and worth and to experiment with how to take that into your relationships, career and life in general.
Many experiences bring you to therapy: a crisis, bereavement, relationship issues, an absence of something, anxiety or depression getting in the way, childhood experiences, abuse and trauma. Starting therapy is an important step. It is an opportunity to tackle your immediate concerns but also to understand them in the context of your life in general. It provides a space to creatively shape your life but also take your pain and struggle seriously. Therapy provides an opportunity to strengthen a sense of your own identity and worth and to experiment with how to take that into your relationships, career and life in general.
020 3389 7407 View 020 3389 7407
Photo of Tina Sapanidis, PsychD, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Tina Sapanidis
Psychotherapist, PsychD, MBACP
Verified Verified
South East London, London SE1
Hello and warm welcome to you. My name is Tina; I was born and raised in France and I moved to England after my studies when I was 21 years old. I am a qualified Person-Centred psychotherapist, specialising in working both with adults and young people. I have extensive experience in working with a variety of issues such as anxiety and stress, trauma, bereavement, loss, grief relationship issues and breakdown, low self-esteem, gender and sexuality related issues, changes, self-harm and suicidal ideation, and all forms of abuse. Together, we can work through elements which are blocking you from living your fullest life.
Hello and warm welcome to you. My name is Tina; I was born and raised in France and I moved to England after my studies when I was 21 years old. I am a qualified Person-Centred psychotherapist, specialising in working both with adults and young people. I have extensive experience in working with a variety of issues such as anxiety and stress, trauma, bereavement, loss, grief relationship issues and breakdown, low self-esteem, gender and sexuality related issues, changes, self-harm and suicidal ideation, and all forms of abuse. Together, we can work through elements which are blocking you from living your fullest life.
020 3763 8040 View 020 3763 8040
Photo of Denise Alves Froede, MA, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Denise Alves Froede
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South East London, London SE24
I am a psychologist and registered psychotherapist. I work with a psychoanalytical approach also known as talking therapy. People come to Therapy for various reasons such as: anxiety, stress, ADHD, depression, sadness, procrastinations, panic attacks or other issues. Perhaps you are struggling understanding why you feel the way you do. You may wish to explore how you got where you are now in order to find your own solutions.
I am a psychologist and registered psychotherapist. I work with a psychoanalytical approach also known as talking therapy. People come to Therapy for various reasons such as: anxiety, stress, ADHD, depression, sadness, procrastinations, panic attacks or other issues. Perhaps you are struggling understanding why you feel the way you do. You may wish to explore how you got where you are now in order to find your own solutions.
020 8106 8826 View 020 8106 8826
Photo of Rene Coffey, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Rene Coffey
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
South East London, London SE17
Waitlist for new clients
Relationships, self esteem, LGBTQ+, sexuality, life purpose, trauma, anxiety, depression, shame, home life, work, vulnerability and hope are some central focal points and themes.
I believe in a respectful, collaborative relationship which focuses on your individual history, context, personality and life situation in the here-and-now. Through empathic listening, I aim to enable us to explore your patterns and concerns at a safe pace, and in depth. Our thoughtful dialogue can help you build a more compassionate and insightful understanding, appreciation and acceptance of yourself. We will explore ways to enable you to connect with your feelings, wishes, needs and voice, and to build on strategies for managing your life in ways that feel more empowered, authentic, creative and meaningful.
Relationships, self esteem, LGBTQ+, sexuality, life purpose, trauma, anxiety, depression, shame, home life, work, vulnerability and hope are some central focal points and themes.
I believe in a respectful, collaborative relationship which focuses on your individual history, context, personality and life situation in the here-and-now. Through empathic listening, I aim to enable us to explore your patterns and concerns at a safe pace, and in depth. Our thoughtful dialogue can help you build a more compassionate and insightful understanding, appreciation and acceptance of yourself. We will explore ways to enable you to connect with your feelings, wishes, needs and voice, and to build on strategies for managing your life in ways that feel more empowered, authentic, creative and meaningful.
020 3835 5342 View 020 3835 5342
Photo of Apostolos Polymerou, MSc, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Apostolos Polymerou
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South East London, London SE1
Reaching out for help is a courageous thing to do. I aim always to make the initial and ongoing conversations welcoming and hopeful. I’m a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT) and EMDR therapist. EMDR can be highly effective for addressing traumas, anxiety and negative thinking patterns. I offer evidence-based treatment for a range of mental health problems such as Depression, PTSD, OCD, GAD, Social Anxiety and non-underweight Eating Disorders. I work with CBT and EMDR to address health problems such as chronic pain. I’m very experienced with more than fifteen years working in the NHS, addiction and eating disorders services.
Reaching out for help is a courageous thing to do. I aim always to make the initial and ongoing conversations welcoming and hopeful. I’m a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT) and EMDR therapist. EMDR can be highly effective for addressing traumas, anxiety and negative thinking patterns. I offer evidence-based treatment for a range of mental health problems such as Depression, PTSD, OCD, GAD, Social Anxiety and non-underweight Eating Disorders. I work with CBT and EMDR to address health problems such as chronic pain. I’m very experienced with more than fifteen years working in the NHS, addiction and eating disorders services.
020 3988 4304 View 020 3988 4304
Photo of Dr S (Hilltop Psychology), HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr S (Hilltop Psychology)
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
South East London, London SE19
Parenting a child with emotional or behavioural problems is difficult. It's hard when they're struggling with anxiety or low mood, or showing fearful, sad or clingy behaviour that you just can't seem to help them with. They may have ADHD, sleep or behaviour issues, needing you to adapt your parenting - but you've tried everything and nothing has worked. These issues are understandably going to be affecting your home life, relationship, mood or confidence. It can feel isolating and lonely dealing with these every day challenges. A safe, nonjudgmental space with an experienced clinician can be transformative for you and your child.
Parenting a child with emotional or behavioural problems is difficult. It's hard when they're struggling with anxiety or low mood, or showing fearful, sad or clingy behaviour that you just can't seem to help them with. They may have ADHD, sleep or behaviour issues, needing you to adapt your parenting - but you've tried everything and nothing has worked. These issues are understandably going to be affecting your home life, relationship, mood or confidence. It can feel isolating and lonely dealing with these every day challenges. A safe, nonjudgmental space with an experienced clinician can be transformative for you and your child.
020 3835 5487 View 020 3835 5487
Photo of Jonathan Husbands, MBACP, Counsellor
Jonathan Husbands
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
South East London, London SE24
I specialise in working with clients who suffer from many different mental health issues but especially anxiety and depression.
I aim to provide a safe welcoming, non-judgmental space where clients can freely express their thoughts, feelings and truly be heard. I am here to listen to you and help you find the best way forward. I use a collaborative approach where we examine thoughts and feelings from the past and examine how those past feelings affect the client in the here and now. My hope is to help clients realise that they have the tools to help themselves move forward in life and I’ll assist in finding new perspectives that help to bring self-awareness, strength, self-belief and enable positive change.
I specialise in working with clients who suffer from many different mental health issues but especially anxiety and depression.
I aim to provide a safe welcoming, non-judgmental space where clients can freely express their thoughts, feelings and truly be heard. I am here to listen to you and help you find the best way forward. I use a collaborative approach where we examine thoughts and feelings from the past and examine how those past feelings affect the client in the here and now. My hope is to help clients realise that they have the tools to help themselves move forward in life and I’ll assist in finding new perspectives that help to bring self-awareness, strength, self-belief and enable positive change.
020 4538 3458 View 020 4538 3458
Photo of Fiona Smith, MBACP, Psychotherapist
Fiona Smith
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Verified Verified
South East London, London SE20
Assertiveness & Confidence | Rebuilding Your Self-Esteem; Working with anxiety addiction separation and divorce affairs and betrayals feeling sad family issues bullying depression trauma relationship stress.
I BEGAN MY DEVELOPMENT DURING 1998 MBACP Professionally Registered Certificate of Proficiency awarded - BACP Accredited Voluntary Register 155943 - Professional Standards Authority Qualified BACP. We may all experience psychological pain or turmoil at times - sometimes this may be transient, but sometimes these feelings may persist, and feel insurmountable. This is where counselling and psychotherapy can help. May feel like the same problems and relationship patterns keep repeating themselves, despite your best efforts to move on with your life. You may not be quite able to define exactly what you are feeling, or your emotions m
Assertiveness & Confidence | Rebuilding Your Self-Esteem; Working with anxiety addiction separation and divorce affairs and betrayals feeling sad family issues bullying depression trauma relationship stress.
I BEGAN MY DEVELOPMENT DURING 1998 MBACP Professionally Registered Certificate of Proficiency awarded - BACP Accredited Voluntary Register 155943 - Professional Standards Authority Qualified BACP. We may all experience psychological pain or turmoil at times - sometimes this may be transient, but sometimes these feelings may persist, and feel insurmountable. This is where counselling and psychotherapy can help. May feel like the same problems and relationship patterns keep repeating themselves, despite your best efforts to move on with your life. You may not be quite able to define exactly what you are feeling, or your emotions m
020 8016 2167 View 020 8016 2167
Photo of Alex Ioannou, MA, HCPC-Drama Therap., Psychotherapist
Alex Ioannou
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Drama Therap.
Verified Verified
South East London, London SE1  (Online Only)
I have worked extensively with people with anxiety, depression, relationship issues and big life transitions, but whatever the issue you're struggling with or want to work on, I believe that challenges are also invitations to live a more full and authentic life and that therapy can help you make the necessary changes to feel more alive, content and at peace.
I'm an integrative psychotherapist with 8 years experience in the NHS and privately. I draw on different approaches, though mainly I work in an embodied and relational way. Embodied as most of our emotions and life stories are stored in our bodies and relational as I believe that as we get hurt in relationship, we also heal in relationship. I work in a non pathologising way so I won't try to fix you or treat you like you're broken. Whether you’re in crisis, feel like something's missing or simply want to enjoy a better quality of life, I aim to work with you so that you can come to better ways of understanding, being and relating.
I have worked extensively with people with anxiety, depression, relationship issues and big life transitions, but whatever the issue you're struggling with or want to work on, I believe that challenges are also invitations to live a more full and authentic life and that therapy can help you make the necessary changes to feel more alive, content and at peace.
I'm an integrative psychotherapist with 8 years experience in the NHS and privately. I draw on different approaches, though mainly I work in an embodied and relational way. Embodied as most of our emotions and life stories are stored in our bodies and relational as I believe that as we get hurt in relationship, we also heal in relationship. I work in a non pathologising way so I won't try to fix you or treat you like you're broken. Whether you’re in crisis, feel like something's missing or simply want to enjoy a better quality of life, I aim to work with you so that you can come to better ways of understanding, being and relating.
020 4538 8366 View 020 4538 8366
Photo of Ildiko Victoria Szatmari, MSc, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Ildiko Victoria Szatmari
Psychotherapist, MSc, MUKCP
Verified Verified
South East London, London SE1
Welcome to a safe place to talk. There are many reasons why people reach out for help. It may be connected with relationship difficulties, feeling lonely, suffering a bereavement, experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, struggling with depression, trauma, anger, low self-esteem, or work issues. Sometimes there is nothing specific to name. I am a qualified, registered and experienced therapist, holding a degree in psychology and I have been professionally trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy. I am a member of the professional bodies UKCP and FPC.
Welcome to a safe place to talk. There are many reasons why people reach out for help. It may be connected with relationship difficulties, feeling lonely, suffering a bereavement, experiencing anxiety, panic attacks, struggling with depression, trauma, anger, low self-esteem, or work issues. Sometimes there is nothing specific to name. I am a qualified, registered and experienced therapist, holding a degree in psychology and I have been professionally trained in psychodynamic psychotherapy. I am a member of the professional bodies UKCP and FPC.
020 3870 2948 View 020 3870 2948
Photo of Dr Karina Lenard, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Karina Lenard
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
South East London, London SE23
I offer treatment for a number of difficulties, including depression, anxiety and relational difficulties.
Many people seek therapy at some point in their life. This might be to address a specific problem, work through something in their past, or help them to move their life more in line with their values. During our initial meeting, we will develop a shared understanding of your difficulties and therapy goals in the context of your life experiences, your background and your current circumstances. This will allow us to create a treatment plan together that is specifically tailored to your individual needs, and aims to help you make meaningful changes. I offer a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space to explore your experiences.
I offer treatment for a number of difficulties, including depression, anxiety and relational difficulties.
Many people seek therapy at some point in their life. This might be to address a specific problem, work through something in their past, or help them to move their life more in line with their values. During our initial meeting, we will develop a shared understanding of your difficulties and therapy goals in the context of your life experiences, your background and your current circumstances. This will allow us to create a treatment plan together that is specifically tailored to your individual needs, and aims to help you make meaningful changes. I offer a safe, confidential and non-judgmental space to explore your experiences.
020 3048 4427 View 020 3048 4427

See more therapy options for South East London, London

Anxiety Counsellors

What are the most common treatments for anxiety?

Talk therapy, particularly cognitive behavioural therapy, is the most common treatment for anxiety. Studies have shown it is equally effective as medication. Other forms of therapy are popular, depending on a patient’s experience. Exposure therapy, for instance, can be useful for people dealing with fears and phobias, or who have experienced traumatic events. Dialectical Behavioural Therapy may be useful for patients who need help with emotion regulation. Anxiolytic medications, like benzodiazepines, can also help with calming a person enough to focus on the skills they’ve learned, and physical exercise has been shown to help symptoms of anxiety across the board.

How long does therapy for anxiety take to work?

The amount of time needed to alleviate symptoms depends on the severity of a person’s condition. Some therapies may take 5-20 weekly sessions to show results. Anti-depressant medications typically take two to four weeks before a benefit is felt. Anti-anxiety medications are felt typically within 20-30 minutes. Medications are best used to offer a patient a better headspace in which to work on techniques learned in therapy. Exercise, improved sleep habits, and meditation are effective, but takes weeks or months to show results.

When should I seek treatment for anxiety?

Everyone feels anxious at times, but when anxiety causes disruption to your daily life, it may be time to seek help. Such disruption can be mental, physical, or both: having fear dominate your thoughts, avoiding situations or objects that bring on feelings of anxiety, or experiencing shortness of breath, sweating, dizziness, or panic attacks. When these symptoms are recurrent and distressing, it may be time to talk to someone.

How effective is treatment for anxiety?

Treatment for anxiety has been shown to be moderately to highly effective, according to a large body of psychology studies and analyses. For some people, treatment using CBT or exposure therapy alone is effective. Others respond best to a combination of medication and therapy.